MANCHESTER, NH - Derry Police Chief Edward Garone arrived at the DoubleTree Hotel in Manchester to a line of officers standing at attention, saluting him as he exited his vehicle with his wife Blanche.

Chief Garone was honored for his 50th year as Chief of Derry Police. Garone entered the hotel to find a crowd of over people including members of law enforcement, friends, family and members of various government organizations from across the United States.

A specially made unique badge commemorating Garone's 50 years as chief was presented by Derry Police Deputy Chief George Feole and pinned on Garone by his wife.

As several people took to the podium to outline his accomplishments, people gave Garone a standing ovation multiple times during the evening.

Garone’s 50 years as Chief in Derry makes him the longest-serving full-time chief in Granite State history, according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police. During the presentation, it was noted that he could possibly be the longest-serving full-time police chief in the United States.

Garone joined the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1961. After completing boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., he went on to serve a 16-month deployment in Iwakuni, Japan, before returning to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. His three-year hitch ended on Aug. 31, 1964, and he returned home to his wife, Blanche, and was sworn in as a police officer in Lebanon on Oct. 15, 1964.

During his time with the Lebanon Police Department, Garone rose to the rank of captain. After seven and a half years, his career in law enforcement led him to Derry, where he was named police chief at age 29.

Derry Police Captain Vern Thomas said “It’s pretty rare that someone spends 50 years in law enforcement. You have to love this job, someone who spends 50 years as chief, that’s something special, very special.”

In recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to Derry, it was announced the Town Council unanimously voted to officia